Hebrews 7:18 – “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is talking about the Old Testament law-specifically the part that governed the priesthood. It says that the old way of doing things, with human priests from the tribe of Levi offering sacrifices, has been set aside. Why? Because it was weak and couldn’t accomplish what people needed most: lasting forgiveness and a true connection with God. That doesn’t mean the law was bad, but it couldn’t solve the deepest problem of the human heart-sin. So now that Jesus has come as our perfect and forever priest, the old system is no longer needed. It served a purpose for a time, but it has been replaced by something far better.
Historical Context
Under the Old Covenant, God gave Israel a law through Moses. That law included regulations about sacrifices, offerings, and priests. Only descendants of Aaron (from the tribe of Levi) could serve as priests, and their role was to offer sacrifices for the people’s sins. But even with all the rituals and rules, sin was never fully dealt with. The sacrifices had to be repeated over and over, and the priests themselves were sinners who eventually died. This system pointed forward to something better, but it was limited. When Jesus came, He fulfilled everything the law pointed to, and in doing so, He made the old priesthood unnecessary.
Theological Implications
This verse has major meaning for how we understand our relationship with God. It tells us that we no longer approach God through religious laws, rituals, or earthly priests. We approach Him through Jesus, who has fully met the requirements the law could never satisfy. The word “set aside” shows that the old regulation wasn’t just updated or modified-it was replaced. Jesus didn’t come to fix the old system. He came to fulfill it and bring in something entirely new: a covenant based on grace, not on performance. This shows that real salvation, peace with God, and eternal life can’t come from rules-but only through a living relationship with Christ.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse is strong. Words like “set aside,” “weak,” and “useless” are direct and clear. The writer wants the reader to understand that the old regulation-meaning the priesthood under the law-couldn’t bring about true spiritual change. This kind of bold statement helps drive home the argument being made in Hebrews 7. It sets up a sharp contrast between the old and the new, between a system that couldn’t save and a Savior who can. The verse is short but weighty, pushing the reader to think seriously about what they’re trusting in.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 8:3 – “For what the law was powerless to do… God did by sending his own Son.”
- Galatians 3:24–25 – The law was a guardian until Christ came, but now we are no longer under it.
- Hebrews 10:1–4 – The law was only a shadow of what was coming and could never make people perfect.
- Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete.”
- Colossians 2:14 – Jesus canceled the written code that was against us by nailing it to the cross.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that we don’t have to try to earn God’s acceptance by keeping religious rules or traditions. The old system of sacrifices, ceremonies, and priests has been set aside because it couldn’t fix the root of our problem. Only Jesus can do that. For today’s believer, this is freeing. We don’t follow God because we’re afraid of breaking rules-we follow Him because we’ve been saved by grace through Jesus. We serve God not to earn His favor, but because we already have it in Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love shines through in this truth. He didn’t leave us stuck in a system that couldn’t save. He knew we needed more than rules-we needed a Redeemer. Instead of demanding that we try harder under an impossible standard, He gave us His Son. By setting aside the old regulation and replacing it with something better, God showed His deep desire for a relationship with His people-not just obedience to a set of commands, but real closeness through Jesus. That’s the heart of a loving Father.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the reason the old regulation was set aside. He came to do what the law could never do: bring us into lasting peace with God. He didn’t just offer a better sacrifice-He became the sacrifice. And He didn’t just serve temporarily-He serves as our High Priest forever. Because of His perfect life, death, and resurrection, the old priesthood has been replaced by a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20). Everything the old system pointed to is now fully found in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why was the old regulation considered “weak and useless”?
- What does it mean for something to be “set aside” in the Bible?
- How does this verse help you appreciate the work Jesus has done for you?
- Are there areas of your life where you still try to earn God’s favor through performance?
- What does it look like to live in the freedom and grace that Jesus brings instead of under rules?